Ifab, the body in charge of changing the rules of the game of football, announced on Saturday that it would review the principles of offside over the next twelve months. The goal: "to promote the spirit of attack", and to bring clarity to existing laws. The secretary general of the international body, Lukas Brood confided during a debate in Belfast that the rule of offside should not be changed, even if he does not exclude "a better interpretation in terms of tolerance ". “We always have to be balanced. If it is not clear after the video analysis, then we must keep the original decision. The idea is more to communicate than to change the rule, ”he added.
OFFICIAL: the Laws of the Game 2020/21 are now approved by The IFAB!
⚽️ Which main changes to association football will come into force as from 1 June?
➡️ Decisions taken: https://t.co/IeiGRRj1wy#LawsOfTheGame#LOTG202021pic.twitter.com/LfE1nPhAWm
The Premier League, which has only used VAR for this season, has pinned Ifab on the number of goals canceled for minimalist offsides, ensuring by the voice of its new boss Richard Masters reflect on the introduction of a “tolerance” on these phases of play. The management of the English championship and the clubs should meet in April to discuss the modifications which could be made to the VAR next season. Last December, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin had already asked the International Board to "clarify the use" of VAR for offside and hands.
Ifab also said it is considering allowing temporary substitutions during matches in the event of a concussion. This would allow medical staff to assess the player's condition and decide whether or not he is able to resume play. FIFA is moreover ready to try this proposition at the Tokyo Olympics.
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